Wilshere set to quit Salford Reds

SALFORD REDS' star John Wilshere has turned down a new contract and could return to Australia and retire. Wilshere is considering making a shock return home and could pursue new interests away from rugby league.

SALFORD REDS' star John Wilshere has turned down a new contract and could return to Australia and retire.

Wilshere is considering making a shock return home and could pursue new interests away from rugby league.

Wilshere, who captained Papua New Guinea in the World Cup last summer, could be set to play his last game for Salford in Friday night's final Super League home with the Leeds Rhinos.

He was hoping to land a new one-year deal, but as yet he has been unable to agree terms and may now decide to hang up his boots.

Salford football director Steve Simms has confirmed Wilshere had rejected a new deal.

Simms told MEN Sport: "We offered John a new contract but he turned it down. We could not reach an agreement.

"It does now look as if John will possibly decide to return home to Australia at the end of the season.

"These things happen, an offer was made to him but nothing could be sorted out."

Wilshere was keen to finish his career with the City Reds after previously playing for Leigh and Warrington.

Earlier this season, he was understood to be a target for Hull FC.

News of his departure from The Willows could alert other clubs now that he is out of contract and in a position to negotiate with other clubs.

If Wilshire does leave, it will be a major blow for the Reds because up to nine members of the current first team squad will move on following Friday's game.

Robbie Paul will make his final appearance in Super League against the Rhinos. He will join Leigh next season.

Paul said: "A win would be nice. I am really glad I chose to come and play for Salford and not take up a marketing job I was offered.

McRae opinion on Myler

"Last season was exciting doing the right things and putting plans in place. We had to do everything we could to get this club back into Super League. I was so pleased when we got the nod."

Meanwhile, coach Shaun McRae has again spoken out about Richard Myler, who signed for Warrington this week. McRae claims Salford lost Myler when he came back from France with England earlier this season.

McRae said: "I could see then Richard wanted to move on. I took him out of the team to protect him as a player because his head was in the clouds."

Jordan Turner will also be leaving the Reds at the end of the season and joining Hull FC on a three-year deal.

McRae added: "I do not believe this club could have done any more to retain the services of both players."

Reds plan to step up their recruitment plans in the coming weeks and are among a number of Super League clubs linked with Castleford prop Ryan Boyle. They have also checked out young Huddersfield player Jermaine McGilveray.

Reds' bosses are currently in talks with a number of players as coach McRae prepares for next season.

Turning to the Leeds clash, McRae said: "We have beaten Leeds, and it would be nice to do the double especially for the players who are likely to be playing together for the last time on Friday. It would also be good for the fans, ideally we are wanting to finish the season on a high."

Leeds will be without centre Keith Senior and second row forward Jamie Jones Buchanan who are suspended after being handed one-match bans. Kylie Leuluai was fined £300.

Leeds need only to avoid a heavy defeat against Salford to clinch the League Leaders' Shield and, with it, a home play-off tie against Huddersfield or Hull KR on Friday week.